Sunday, April 12, 2015

Leadoff with Lee 4.12.15 #Manziel #Browns #Steelers #Pouncey #Indians

- After spending the last 10 weeks in an in-patient rehab treatment facility, Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel was released yesterday.

So what is the next step?

From what I have been told, Johnny will start outpatient treatment with group and individual meetings. At this point, it's not known how long or often these sessions will take place. Manziel has been in close contact with his family since his release. He's expected to rejoin the team on or before April 20th, when the Browns start their offseason training program. Reports have been positive on Manziel's progress since entering the rehabilitation program according to head coach Mike Pettine.

Now the issue is will Manziel be a better person and teammate? Will he be the teams quarterback of the future? Will the Browns draft another quarterback this year? Will they trade for another quarterback this year? With the 2015 NFL draft quickly approaching on April 30th,there's not a lot a time,and they need a lot of answers.

-The Browns found their pass catching tight end by signing former Arizona Cardinal Rob Houlser. His contract is a 1 year deal worth $1.76M and includes a $750K signing bonus. The 6'5", 250lbs Housler appeared in 55 games, and totaled 105 receptions for 1,133 yards and one touchdown. His numbers in 2014 were the lowest of his career, 9 catches for 129 yards. This is definitely a great move by the Browns to fill a void left by Jordan Cameron despite the numbers Housler put up last season.

-The NFL has released the Browns 2015 preseason schedule. The traditional Great Lake Classic game with Detroit will not be played this year. The Browns will face the Buffalo Bills in a Thursday night Primetime game on ESPN. Could we possibly call this the GLC part Deux, seeing as how Buffalo and Chicago are both on Great Lakes?

- Over the past several days there have been some possible leaks to the Browns new uniforms showing up on several different websites. Word on the street these are the real deal. I can neither confirm or deny that they are or are not, but I will say I was told they are about dead on.

- Indians manager Terry Francona said Yan Gomes has a sprained right knee and MRI will happen Sunday (today). With the injury to Gomes and the struggling bullpen, the Tribe made a few roster moves last night. Triple A catcher Brett Hayes along with pitchers Austin Adams and Shaun Marcum are headed to Cleveland and will be added to the roster today.

- Dolphins center Mike Pouncey agrees on 5-year, $52.15 million ($22 million guaranteed) extension with Miami. Pouncey is now the highest paid center in the NFL. Mike Pouncey's extension increases the likelihood of Browns center Alex Mack voiding his contract in 2016, the final 3 years, being worth $24M, of his five-year, $42M deal.

- Troy Polamalu has retired from the Pittsburg Steelers and the NFL. The safety is a 8-time Pro Bowler, 2-time Super Bowl Champ and was the 2010 NFL Defensive Player of Year. Since entering the league in 2003,Troy Polamalu and Charles Woodson are only players with at least 30 interceptions,10 forced fumbles & 10 sacks.

- Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell has been suspended for the first 3 games of the 2015 NFL season for DUI and possession of marijuana. Bell is expected to appeal the suspension. Former teammate LeGarrette Blount was only suspended 1 game for violating the substance abuse policy. In 2014 Bell set a team record with 2,115 yards from scrimmage, along with 83 receptions, a team record for a running back.

- Seven Kentucky basketball players declare for the NBA draft. Karl-Anthony Towns, Willie Cauley-Stein, Devin Booker, Dakari Johnson, Trey Lyles, and Aaron and Andrew Harrison all stated their intent Thursday to enter the NBA draft. Kentucky will break their own record of six picks set in 2012. Kentucky is losing 85% of its points, 83.2% of its blocked shots, 78.3% of its steals, 77% of its rebounds and 69.6% of its assists from the 2014-15 season.

- Wisconsin junior Sam Dekker is leaving for the NBA. The forward averaged 19.2 points in NCAA tournament. In more Badger Nation news, Frank Kaminsky is to win the John R. Wooden Award as the most nation's outstanding player.

- Warriors guard Steph Curry made his 273rd 3-pointer of year Thursday night, breaking his own NBA record set in 2012-13 season.